Signaling lamp



sept. 2s, 1944.

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Sparkhill, Birmingham, England Application January 8, 1943, Serial No. 471,722 In Great Britain October 22, 1941 7 Claims.

'I'his invention relates to signaling lamps for naval, military and other like uses, and of the kind adapted to emit light flashes of diiierent colours. The object of the invention is to provide an improved signaling lamp or lamp attachment enabling a greater amount of the light from the source to be used than is obtained in lamps of ordinary construction, and also enabling the sequence of the different coloured flashes to be readily varied.

The invention comprises in combination a plurality of louvre-like screens adapted to transmit light of different colours and arranged one behind another, and means for actuating the screens.

In the accompanying sheets of explanatory drawings- Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation, Figure 1a a sectional plan (taken on the line A-B of Figure 1), Figure 2 a rear elevation, and Figure 3 a front elevation, of a signaling lamp attachment embodying the invention.

Figure 4 is a detail sectional view taken on the line 4 4 of Figure 1.

Figure 5 is a section on the line 5-5 of Figure l.

Figure 6 is a developed view of a controlling gate shown in Figures 1 to 4.

In Figure 1 a indicates a signaling lamp which contains a light source b and a lens mirror c, and to the front of which can be secured the attachment embodying the invention. This attachment consists of a rectangular sheet metal or other casing d containing three louvre-like screens e whereby the required diierent coloured light can be transmitted, and carrying means as hereinafter described for actuating movable parts of the screens, the front and rear ends of the casing being formed with circular openings f through which can pass the beam of light from the lamp a. The rear of the casing d is formed with key-hole slots g which, by engagement with headed studs h on the front of the lamp a, serve to attach the casing to the lamp front, the casing being held in position by the engagement of one of the stud heads with a detent in the form of a spring blade i on the inner side of the rear of the casing. On the centre of the rear of the casing d is mounted a dished or cup-shaped baille :i for preventing emission from the lamp a of direct light from the source b, the baille being carried by a metal strip 1c which extends diametrically across the opening fin the rear of the casing. The front end of the casing d is provided With headed studs m whereby a framed flat front glass of the lamp a) can be secured to the iront of the casing.

Each of the screens e comprises a plurality of rectangular strips n adapted to transmit light of the required colours, and a supporting frame o across which the strips extend, the sides of the frame being detachably secured to the adjacent sides of the casing d. The strips n of each screen e are secured at both ends of lever-like clips or holders p, the latter being pivoted at q to the adjacent sides of the corresponding frame o, and at r to interconnecting links s, one such link being provided at each side o1' each frame and serving to interconnect the adjacent clips or holders. Arranged transversely across and supported by the lower end of each frame o is a rotatable spindle t which is situated parallel to the strips n, and which is provided at its ends with short radial arms u, the latter being connected to the adjacent links s so that the corresponding strips longitudinal edges overlapping. In the open posior other glass piece (which may be the ordinary tion they lie at right angles to that plane, and when in this position they oier a minimum of obstruction to light as they are made from thin material. Return of the strips n to the closed position may be eiected by gravity with or without the assistance of any convenient springs, such as those indicated by v in Figure 5, which may be connected to the links s, and which serve to prevent accidental sticking of the strips in any intermediate Dosition.

I may employ any desired number of screens e as above described, but for the purpose of elucidating the invention we have shown in the drawings a combination of three screens capable of giving red, green, and white or uncoloured flashes, the red screen being situated adjacent to the front of the casing d, the green screen near the centre of the casing, and the White screen near the rear of the casing. The strips of the red screen are made from red translucent material, and those of the green screen from green translucent material. The strips of the white screen may be made from clear or frosted material, but as the light transmission loss associated with a White screen is usually much less than that associated with a coloured screen, and as in consequence a white screen of similar character to the coloured screens would give a relatively brighter flash, I nd it convenient to make the strips of the white screen from thin metal formed with perforations w, the area exposed by the perforations being sumcient to transmit the required amount of light. As the colours red and green are complementary, a practically opaque effect is obtained when the red and green screens are closed at the same time, and it is therefore unnecessary to employ an additional opaque screen for occulting the light between successive flashes, though such a screen may be used if desired. Alternatively, and where it is of paramount importance that no glimmer of light should be emitted between the ilashes, I may employ a series of overlapping opaque andimperforate louvres and when an uncoloured flash is desired these are only partially opened, the degree to which they are opened being adjusted so as to give to the white flash a similar intensity to that provided to the eye of the observer by a coloured flash. When sending a coloured flash this series of opaque louvres are fully opened so as to provide the full intensity of the signaling lamp for transmission as a coloured ash and only a fraction of it for an uncoloured flash.

As previously indicated the three screens e above described are mounted one behind another in the casing d which is adapted to be mounted on the front of the housing of a separate signaling lamp as a. Alternatively the casing may have a lamp housing combined with it. But in either case the source of light as b (which is usually an incandescent iilament bulb) may have the above-mentioned lens mirror c behind it or a lens in front of it or other optical means for projecting a powerful beam of limited divergence. In cases where a beam of moderate divergence is required it may be convenient to obscure the direct light from the source by the baille a' above described. But in those cases where it is desired to send out a beam of wide divergence I employ a front glazing having parallel cylindrical lenses moulded on one surface to give the desired divergence in any selected direction, or I employ a front glazing having crossed cylmders on the back and front surfaces to give any desired divergences in all directions. This enables me to avoid the slight tinting of marginal portions of a Wide angle beam which would otherwise occur.

For actuating the screen-strips n'I employ a combination of three spring loaded push rods these being situated within the casing d in parallel relationship with each other and at right angles to the operating spindles t.

A simple, though not the most convenient, mode of connecting the rods a: to the strips n would be to provide each of the rods with a toothed rack for engaging a pinion on each of two of the operating spindles. Thus, for example, one of the rodswould serve to actuate the white and green screens. Inward movement of this rod would open the white and green screens, leaving the red one closed and so causing a red light tobe shown. In like manner another rod woud serve to cause a white light to be shown and the third rod a green light. On releasing any rod it would be returned by its spring, causing the two screens associatedwith it to be reclosed. With the lamp not in operation all screens would be closed.

The above described connecting means though simple has the disadvantage of necessitating the signaler manipulating the push rods :c in the appropriate sequence. It is obviously preferable to be able to operate the rods always in a predetermined sequence, andl to enable this condition tobe satisiied with any combination of di!- ferently coloured successive hashes. I make each?- push rod a: rotatable about its longitudinal axis@A as well as slidable along that axis. Also I provide on each rod a: three gapped racks y, thesel being arranged so that they can be caused to engage any two or three pinions or toothed segments z provided respectively on the spindles t. To determine the pinions or toothed segments z to be engaged, I employ three bushes 2 which extend through and are rotatably supported by the rear end of the casing d, and which respectively accommodate and serve as bearings for the adjacent ends of the rods z, these ends of the rods and the interiors of the bushes being of complementary non-circular cross section so that the rods and bushes are capable of independent axial movements but are incapable of independent rotational movements. 'I'he bushes 2 are closed at their outer ends to form abutments for the adjacent ends of compression springs as 3 which are mounted in axial bores as 4 in the rear ends of the rods and which at their other ends abut against the inner ends of the said bores, the arrangement being such that the springs serve to hold the rods and bushes in their normal positions. At their inner ends the bushes 2 are formed with flanges 5 which bear against the inner surface of the rear end of the casing d, and which are each provided with a pin 6. Each of these pins B is adapted to engage any one of a plurality of holes 1 in the rear end of the casing d. By exerting pressure on the outer end of any one of the bushes 2, the signaler can move this bush axially against the action of the associated spring 3 to disengage the pin 6 on the bush from any one of the corresponding holes 1, whereupon the signaler can rotate the bush to a position in which it can be caused by the action of the spring to engage any other of the holes 1. Such rotational adjusting movement oy any one of the bushes 2 is accompanied by corresponding movement of the associated push rod 1r, and serves to determine which of the corresponding pinions or toothed segments z are engaged by the gapped racks y on that push rod when the latter is moved axially against the action of its loading spring 3.

'I'he selective arrangement above described enables twenty-seven different combinations of ilashes to be obtained, and after the bushes 2 have been set to the desired positions it is only necessary for the signaler to operate the push rods x in the order of their arrangement; that is to say the signaler always operates the rods in the one sequence, but the sequence of the colours in the ilashes is determined by the setting of the bushes. After being operated by the signaler each push rod .2: is .returned by its loading spring 3,

When the push rods :c are in their normal posi# tions they project from the front end of the casing d under the action of the springs 3, and the gapped racks y on the push rods are clear of the corresponding pinions or toothed segments z. Consequently all three screens e are closed. Upon any push rod o: being moved against the action of its loading spring 3 to the position shown in Figure 1, the appropriate pinions or toothed segments e are actuated to open two of the screens e.

Preferably and as shown I provide in the rear end of the casing d four of the above mentioned holes 1 for alternative engagement by the pin 6 on each bush 2. One of these holes serve to hold the corresponding bush in a position in which the associated push rod :c is inefIective, that is to say, in which the gapped racks u on that rod have no eiIect on any of the pinions or toothed segments z, when the rod is actuated by the signaler. The other holes I serve as previously indicated to determine the pinions or toothed segments z engaged.

To simplify further the manipulation of the screens above described, I may employ a single trigger for actuating the push rods :r it being then only necessary while signaling for the signaler to give successive movements to the one trigger. This condition can be satisiied in a variety of ways one of which will now be described.

As shown there is mounted within the casing d at a position centrally below the push rods z, another slidable and rotatable rod 8 which is situated parallel to the push rods, and which projects through the front end of the casing d. At its outer end the rod 8 carries a radial arm 9 which by appropriate movements of. the rod can serve to actuate the push rods :r in the proper sequence.

Contact of the arm 8 with a stop which may be formed by the front of the casing d determines the extent to which the push rods x can be moved by this arm and a spring I8 surrounding the rod 8 serves to return the latter to an inoperative position after it has been moved to actuate a push rod.

Secured on the rod 8 at a position within the casing d is another radial arm II to which is anchored one end of a. tension spring I2 tending constantly to move this arm, and consequently the rod and the other arm 9, in a clockwise direction, the other end of the spring being anchored to the casing. At its outer end the arm I I carries a pawl I3 which is held by the spring I2 against one face of a gate I4 in the casing, this gate serving to control angular movement of the arm in the manner hereinafter described.

To the underside of the leasing d is secured a vertical post-like handle I5 for holding and steadying the signaling device above described, and at the front of this handle is arranged a trigger I8 whereby axial movement can be imparted to the rod 8 for causing the required ashes to be emitted, the outer end of this rod being loosely encircled by the upper endof the trigger. This trigger has a simple motion of translation in the direction for imparting axial movement to its supporting rod, but is prevented from rotating about the axis of the rod by the engagement of a peg I1 on the trigger with a. slot cut or cast in the upper end of the above mentioned handle I5. In addition to being movable axially by the trigger I6 for actuating the push rods a: the rod 8 is constrained to move angularly after each operation of the trigger for enabling the push rods to be operated in a predetermined order and then preventing further operation of the trigger until the rod 8 has been reset. This l angular movement of the rod 8 is effected by the spring I2 under the control of the gate I4, the latter being shown in a. developed form in Figure 6. The gate I4 consists of a block of synthetic resin, or other suitable material secured in the front of the casing d at a position slightly above the rod 8. The underside of this block is shaped to provide a plurality of thin and thick rib-like guide members I8, I9 arranged in parallel relationship and around a. cylindrical surface concentric with the rod 8. The thin guide members I8 of which there are three alternate with and lie over the greater part of their length between the thick guida members I9 of which there are two, the spaces between the various guide members being sunldient to accommodate the outer end of the pawl I3 on the am II. When the rod 8 is in its initial position preparatory to causing actuation of the three push rods :c in sequence, the pawl I3 is held by the spring I2 tightly against the outer face and near the outer end of the thin guide member I8 shown in the uppermost position in Figure 6. Also the outer end of the -arm 9 on the rod 8 lis opposite to the outer end of the first push rod a: shown at the left hand side of Figure 5. If now the rod 8 is moved axially by the trigger I8 to actua-te the first push rod I, the pawl I3 moves along the adjacent thin guide member I8 until it reaches the end of this guide member, whereupon the spring I2 moves the pawl into contact with the adjacent thick guide member I9. The angular movement thus imparted to the rod 8 is, however, insumcient to move the outer end of the arm 9 out of contact with the outer end of the actuated push rod. During the return axial movement of the rod 8 under the action of the spring I8, the pawl I3 moves along the above mentioned thick guide member I9 until it reaches the end of this member. The spring I2 now moves the pawl I3 into contact with the second thin guide member I8, and the angular movement thus imparted to the rod 8 brings the arm 8 into a position in which its outer end is opposite to the outer end of the next push rod x so that this push rod is actuated by the next axial movement imparted to the rod 8 by the trigger I8. This movement of the rod 8 and its return are accompanied respectively by movements of pawl I3 along the second thin and thick guide members I8, I9, whereupon the pawl is moved by the spring l2 into contact with the third thin guide member I8, the angularmovement thus imparted to the rod 8 serving to bring the outer end of the arm 9 opposite to the third push rod rr. This push rod is therefore actuated by the next axial movement of the rod 8 by the trigger I6. At the end of the return movement of the rod 8 the pawl I3 is caused by the spring I2 to enter a recess 20 (Figure 6) in the gate I4. and prevent further operation of the trigger I8 until the mechanism is reset.

To reset the mechanism for enabling the push rods :n to be again operated in the same sequence as before by successive operative movements of the trigger I 6, the rod 8 is turned against the action of the spring I2, causing the pawl I3 to ride over the guide members I8, I9 and re-engage the rst guide member. This turning movement of the rod 8 can be effected by the signaler through the agency ofa curved or bent arm 2| which extends through a slot in the underside and near the rear end of the casing d. At its inner end this arm 2| is formed on or secured to a hollow boss 22 to which the adjacent end of the rod 8 is slidably but non-rotatably connected, and which serves as an abutment for one end of the spring I8 surrounding the rod. 'I'he boss 22 is rotatably supported by a bearing in the i'orm of an angularly adjustable bush 23 which extends through the rear end of the casing d. The

' bush 23 is formed with a flange 24 which bears of the casing to retain the bush in the desired adjusted, position; Also provided on the bush flange 2611s a projection 21 (Figure 5) adapted by contact with an arm 28 (Figure 1) on the boss 22 to' serve as an adjustable stop for limiting the angular movement that can be imparted to the rod 8, the arrangement being such that by appropriate adjustment of the stop through the agency of its supporting bush only one, or two, or all three of the push rods a: may be actuated before movement of the trigger I6 is prevented as above described.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the use of three screens as any desired number of screens may be used. Also the invention is not limited. to the particular actuating means described as subordinate constructional and mechanical details may be varied to suit different requirements.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that by my invention I am able to eiect a minimum of obstruction to the light emitted from the front of the lamp housing, as the area presented by the open screens to the light is very small, and consequently the greater part of the light emitted from the lamp housing is usefully transmitted through the screen which is in action, excepting the white screen which for Vthe reason mentioned may be purposely designed to obstruct a part of the light emitted by the source.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A signaling device having in combination a plurality of louvre-like screens adapted to transmit light of different colours and each comprising a plurality of pivoted light-transmitting members, links connected to said members and actuable to move said members between closed and open positions, spindles connected to the links so that rotational movement of the spindles serves to actuate the links, and spring-loaded push rods operable by the signaler, the spindles and push rods being provided with interengageable parts whereby sliding movements of the push rods cause rotational movements of the spindles, and thereby cause the links to be actuated for moving the said members into positions in which light oi diierent colours can be transmitted.

2. A signaling device as claimed in claim 1, in Winch the push rods are rotatably adjustable about their longitudinal axes to determine which of the parts on the spindles are engaged by the parts on the push rods.

3. A signaling device as claimed in claim 1 and having in combination a slidable and rotatable spring-loaded operating rod arranged parallel with the push rods, a radial arm secured on the operating rod andadapted to actuate the push rods in sequence, a trigger mounted on the operating rod, and operable by the signaler, and means whereby rotational movement can be imparted to the operating rod for varying the position of the said arm after sliding movement has been imparted to the operating rod through the agency or the trigger.

4. A signaling device as claimed in claim and having in combination a slidable and rotati" able operating rod arranged parallel with the push rods, a radial arm secured on the operating rod and adapted to actuate the push rods in sequence, a trigger mounted on the operating rod and operable by the signaler, a spring whereby rotational movement in one direction can. be imparted to the operating rod for varying the position o1' the said arm,l and means having a part responsive to sliding movement of the operating rod for controlling the rotational movement thereof.

5. A signaling device as claimed in claim l and having in combination aslidable and rotatable operating rod arranged parallel with the push rods, a radial arm secured on the operating rod and adapted to actuate the push rods in sequence, a ytrigger mounted on the operating rodl and operable by the signaler, a. spring whereby rotational movement can be imparted to the operating rod for varying the position of the said arm, a second arm secured on and serving to transmit the action of the spring to the operating rod, and a gate with which the said second arm cooperates to control the rotational movement of the operating rod.

6. A signaling device as claimed in claim 1 and having in combination a slidable and rotatable operating rod arranged parallel with the push rods, a radial arm secured on the operating rodl and adapted'to actuate the push rods in sequence, a trigger mounted on the operating rod and operable by the signaler, a spring whereby rotational movement can be imparted to the operating rodv for varying the position of the said arm, a second arm secured on and serving to transmit the action of the spring to the operating rod, a gate with which the said second arm co-operates to control rotational movement of the operating rod, a pawl carried by the second arm and adapted to co-operate with the gate, and resetting means combined with the operating rod.

7. A signaling device as claimed in claim 1 and having in combination a slidable and rotatable operating rod arranged parallel with the push rods, aradial arm secured on the operating rod and adapted to actuate the push rods in sequence, a trigger mounted on the operating rod and operable by the signaler, a spring whereby rotational movement can be imparted tothe operating rod for varying the position of the said arm, a second arm secured on and serving to transmit the action of the spring to the operating rod, a gate with which the said second arm co-operates to control rotational movement oi the operating rod, a pawl carried by the second arm and adapted to co-operate with the gate, resetting means combined with the operating rod, and means for adjusting the amount of rotational movement that can be imparted to the operating rod.

ARTHUR CYRIL WEBB ALDIS. 

